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Details Of The Event Revealed
The all women groups from the 23 Local government Areas in Rivers State with most interfaith religious groups all gathered at the Multi-purpose Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex on Thursday 26th of September, 2024 as they concluded several weeks of prayer, fasting and reflections on how best peace and tranquility could return to Rivers State.
The programme which was tagged RIVERS WOMEN CONVERGE 2024 with the theme: “Possessing The Land Through Prayer and Praise” truly was a successful one as it attracted highly placed dignitaries who all dressed up in white clothes praising God in songs and making supplications unto Him for restoration of peace which has eluded the state due to the political quagmire between the incumbent Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of FCT Abuja, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike.
The hall with one thousand sitting capacity, was filled with different groups of women who sang and praised God. The Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, was present as she extolled Chief Mrs. Sotonye Toby-Fulton, the convener and organizer of the programme. The Wife of the Governor Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara, was among the dignitaries that graced the occasion. Her speech raised the bar as she said “I don’t have much to say rather than that I am excited whenever I come unto the presence of the Lord. I am so happy. I am so glad, and I always dance. I love praising God. I cannot come here without dancing because I am in the presence of the Lord.” She was full of praises and was delighted for the untiring efforts of the convener, Chief (Mrs.) Sotonye Toby-Fulton, for gathering Rivers State Women. “October this year will make it a year since this thing started but me as a person I am not moved if it turns the other way I will give Him Thanks and if it turns around the other way too I will still give Him thanks… Please my ladies I want us to continue to pray as prayer makes things better and faster. As we are here praying, the Spirit of God is already at work as it has gone ahead of us,” she said.
Following the commencement of the activities, Dr. Vetty Agala, Executive Secretary of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection programme, and Richard Okoye, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Save-A-Life Hospital Ltd, Port Harcourt, delivered health awareness related talks on the need for Health Solutions to Medical Challenges. Dr. Richard Okoye, spoke extensively on Blood Pressure and the need for women to always relax and take life easy by taking away their minds from matters that will put them at risk of cardiac arrest. He informed the audience about how best women should understand the anatomy and physiological make-up of their husbands. He charged them to leave every challenge to God. His invention of a medical device for monitoring Blood Pressure which is being produced in his Medical Equipment Laboratory in China will be utilized as he is the first proponent of a digitalized Medical Clinic in Rivers State. He currently owns SAVE A-Life Solution Radio 89.9 FM station in Port Harcourt Rivers State and author of 24 Medical Books. The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications Warisenibo Joe Johnson, was present at the occasion.
Former Commissioner, Mrs. Nancy Nwankwo, said the opening prayer. The occasion was blessed with the presence of Queen Prudence Dandeson Jaja, wife of Amanyanabo of Opobo. Other high profile dignitaries present at the event included Environmental Activist, Ann Kio Briggs, Mrs. Uloma Saya-Braide, King Ugochukwu Nduwuisi, Reverend Salvation Oziri, High Chief Dr. (Mrs.)Nice Aleruchi Toboulefa Alamieyeseigha and several others.
In a media statement from the event organisers “ the occasion was used to mark seven years of physical prayer and four years of daily online prayer Network, which eventually metamorphosed into Rivers women unite for Sim, a group that has been successfully inaugurated simultaneously across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.”
Gospel songs of praise were rendered by Preye Odede whose electrifying religious tunes sent all standing and dancing.
Lady IB and her group performed creditably praising God with their songs. Peter StoneCold, was at his best, singing Gospel freestyle songs. Ipiriye Brown and ONELGA Chioma, also sang spirit filled Christian songs.
There was the cutting of cakes. First it was the 7th year Prayer anniversary cake which was jointly cut by the dignitaries present. There was the presence of the administrators of Port Harcourt Maximum Correction Center. All the offerings given at the venue and several other Prayer and Fasting Services across the 23 Local Government Areas were given to the Port Harcourt Correction Center for the well-being of the Prison inmates.
The programme got to its climax with the call for prayer points which Evangelist Rachael Minimah, led with prayers for the Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his administration and prayers for the people of Rivers State in general.
Rivers Women Converge 2024 has become the first edition of gathering Rivers Women in the history of the state. The resultant effects being the unity and strength of women in the state with the aim of galvanizing empowerment and solidarity for a better Rivers State.
-Emeka Amaefula
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